Startup Story
Adonia Mankou Yanate, founder of Shumukh Design, approaches design as both an art and a philosophy—one that shapes how people interact with space and, ultimately, with life itself. She seeks to craft environments that are not only functional and beautiful but also transformative. Her design language is deeply rooted in texture, textiles, and color, drawing from African narratives while embracing a universal human experience. With projects spanning South Africa and the DRC, Adonia is building a brand that aspires to redefine luxury in an African context, proving that design can be both deeply personal and globally resonant.
LoA spoke to the talented interior designer, Adonia Mankou Yanate, to find out what drives her creativity and her ambitions for the future growth of her business.
What does your company do?
Shumukh Design is a luxury interior design studio dedicated to creating thoughtful, high-impact spaces that elevate the human experience. We specialize in residential, commercial, hospitality, and retail interiors, blending contemporary sophistication with African creativity. Our approach emphasizes texture, color, and cultural storytelling, crafting environments that are both functional and visually compelling.
“I started Shumukh Design because I believe that spaces have the power to shape experiences, emotions, and even the way we see ourselves.”
What inspired you to start your company?
I started Shumukh Design because I believe that spaces have the power to shape experiences, emotions, and even the way we see ourselves. I wanted to create a design studio that goes beyond aesthetics, crafting interiors that are both deeply intentional and culturally resonant. My passion for textures, colors, and the shared human perspective drives me to design spaces that tell a story and leave a lasting impact. I also saw a gap in the industry for African-led, world-class interior design that celebrates our creativity while competing on a global scale. Shumukh Design is my way of contributing to that narrative—bringing substance, sophistication, and meaning to every project.
What makes your business, service or product special?
Shumukh Design stands out for its intentional approach to luxury interiors, blending African creativity with global sophistication to craft spaces that are both meaningful and visually compelling. Our designs go beyond aesthetics, creating immersive environments that enhance daily life through thoughtful storytelling, rich textures, and functional elegance. With a focus on personalized service, innovation, and sustainability, we curate spaces that are timeless, impactful, and designed to resonate with those who experience them.
“With a focus on personalized service, innovation, and sustainability, we curate spaces that are timeless, impactful, and designed to resonate with those who experience them.”
Tell us a little about your team
Shumukh Design is a collaborative studio where I lead both creative direction and technical design, ensuring every project is intentional, functional, and visually compelling. I work with a network of skilled designers, architects, and artisans, assembling the right team for each project to seamlessly blend creativity, precision, and high-impact execution.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And, do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
My entrepreneurial journey began with inspiration from my mom, who has successfully navigated the beauty industry as an entrepreneur. Growing up around her, I learned the importance of resilience and creating something meaningful from the ground up. I decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship myself, believing that it’s better to start now, embrace the challenges, and have the time to fail and try again, rather than regret not trying later. Shumukh Design was born from that mindset a desire to create something impactful while giving myself room to grow, learn, and ultimately succeed.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
My future plans involve expanding Shumukh Design’s reach across Africa, contributing to projects that allow me to fully express African creativity and design. I aim to create award-winning interiors that tell our unique stories, shifting the narrative away from replicating Western designs. I envision a future where African design is celebrated globally, and I am part of a movement that reshapes how the world experiences our culture through design. I’m committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and making a meaningful impact on the continent and beyond.
“My future plans involve expanding Shumukh Design’s reach across Africa, contributing to projects that allow me to fully express African creativity and design.”
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
The most satisfying part of being an entrepreneur is knowing that I’m creating something meaningful and impactful from scratch. The ability to shape ideas into reality, whether through design or business growth, is incredibly fulfilling. I also find immense joy in the freedom to express my creativity and make decisions that align with my values, especially in a space where African design can truly shine. Seeing my work come to life and knowing it resonates with clients and communities, leaving a lasting impact, brings the greatest sense of accomplishment.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
The biggest advice I can give to other women starting out is to trust your vision and embrace the process. Don’t be afraid to start, even if you don’t have all the answers right away. Entrepreneurship is a journey, and it’s okay to learn along the way failure is not the end but a part of growth. Surround yourself with people who uplift you, seek mentorship, and be open to evolving as you go. Most importantly, believe in your worth and the value you bring your unique perspective is what will set you apart.
Find out more
Email: adonia@shumukhdesign.com
Website: http://shumukhdesign.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shumukhdesign/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shumukhdesign/
Pinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/shumukhdesign/
Why LoA loves it…
Creative design entrepreneurs are always driven by passion for their work and a realization of how great design can positively contribute to people’s lives and wellbeing. For Adonia Mankou Yanate, her inspiration comes from a desire to fully express African creativity and design. She creates award-winning interiors that tell the unique stories of the continent, celebrating and harnessing the power of African design to give her clients the opportunity to express their culture through design. She is pushing the boundaries of creativity, whilst at the same time making a creative contribution to the African continent’s interior design narrative and history. — Melanie Hawken, founder & ceo, Lionesses of Africa